Emma Sulkowicz is a renowned American political activist and performance artist celebrated for their impactful contributions to contemporary art and social justice. Their career gained national attention with the groundbreaking performance artwork, Mattress Performance (Carry That Weight), which they developed during their final year at Columbia University. This powerful piece involved Sulkowicz carrying a mattress around campus as a protest against sexual assault and the university’s handling of their own allegations. The performance not only highlighted the issue of campus sexual violence but also established Sulkowicz as a prominent voice in the anti-rape movement, earning them the moniker “Mattress Girl.”

Following the success of Mattress Performance, Sulkowicz continued to explore themes of consent and trauma through various innovative works. Their final thesis show included Newspaper Bodies (Look, Mom, I’m on the Front Page!), which challenged societal narratives surrounding sexual assault through provocative imagery. In 2015, they collaborated with artist Ted Lawson on Ceci N’est Pas Un Viol, a video that examined the complexities of sexual consent, further solidifying their reputation as a thought-provoking artist.

Sulkowicz’s artistic journey also includes notable exhibitions such as Self-Portrait, where they engaged directly with audiences, and The Ship Is Sinking, a bondage performance that addressed issues of privilege and vulnerability in the art world. Their work often incorporates personal experiences, transforming pain into powerful statements about societal issues.

In recent years, Sulkowicz has expanded their artistic repertoire with installations like The Floating World, which symbolizes trauma and community support through a unique blend of Japanese artistic traditions. Their commitment to using art as a medium for activism continues to inspire and provoke dialogue, making Sulkowicz a vital figure in contemporary performance art.